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Q. I own a 1972 Range Rover two-door Classic fitted with a 200 Tdi engine. I’ve read that the towing capacity is 2000kg up to 1983 and from 1983 onwards the capacity increases to 3500kg. Why do the towing capacities differ and is it possible to upgrade to the post-1983 towing capacity?

I have recently replaced the broken rear springs with new standard-height heavy-duty items. The coil diameter of the new springs is thinner than the ones removed and the ride height is now lower than it was previously. What is the correct specification of the springs for the vehicle and are they handed?

Finally, will Discovery wheels fit my Range Rover?

David Owen, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire

A. The difference in towing capacities reflects the legal requirements of the day rather than the vehicle design specification. In the workshop manual where it shows the 2000kg on-road towing limit for a braked trailer, it states that a four-wheeled trailer with coupled brakes is actually 4000kg. So, although the vehicle would be fine to tow 3500kg in theory, there would be issues if you were stopped by the police or at a VOSA checkpoint. Your insurance would also be rendered void if you did tow more than the plated weight.

If the new springs are correct then the removed ones may have been lifted aftermarket items. The correct heavy-duty rear springs are part number NRC4304. They are colour-coded red and white, have a 450mm free length and have seven coils. Range Rover Classic rear springs are not handed.

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